MACKAGE: Riding Fashion

Eran Elfassy and Elisa Dahan, the duo behind Mackage opened Mercedes Benz fashion week with a small but enthusiastic crowd rugged up to brave Manhattan’s bitter cold. Following the trend of equestrian chic — that we are destined to see more of this season — Mackage produced a cohesive collection of wearable, winter must-haves. From figure hugging, high-necked winter coats in muted tones, to black leather shorts with sequined detail, this Canadian design team served up riding wear for the city savvy. The three-tiered cap sleeve made a recurring appearance throughout the collection giving standard outerwear a stylish touch. Patched elbows and Prince of Wales check providing a classic feel. For the men, asymmetrical leather jackets came up trumps with the bow tie making a stylish statement. Mackage’s signature shaped leather was ever prominent. Interesting tailored lines and sleek silhouettes all part of this collection’s charm.

By Angela Gilltrap for Runway Resource.net

Okay so that was the official story, what really happened was a slushy mess of fashionistas trying desperately not to fall on their tiny asses in the aftermath of a blizzard. It's really hard to look fashionable in below 0, it's not just me, it's a fact. And despite everyone's best efforts the crowd looked more like Michelin men than Manhattan's fashion forward.

By the end of Mackage, seated with almost every piece of clothing I own on, the news of Alexanda McQueen's death was starting to circulate. BCBG took a back seat to the latest updates as oblivious editors were bamboozled with questions about how they felt, when they had literally just walked out into the real world. This, my friends, is why blackberries aren't the best thing in the world or maybe why they are - the jury is out on that one.

Needless to say for me it was off to countless presentations, more shows and an after party that turned out to have a bizarre case of six degrees of separation: from designer Ron & Ron (who was hosting a Haiti Benefit Reception) to fellow Aussie, Anthony LaPaglia. Turns out they are soccer buddies.